adj
backstreet
Backstreet (adj) means relating to the smaller, less prominent streets of a neighborhood, often poorer or less well-kept. Example: “They grew up in a backstreet part of town that tourists never saw.”
adj
1
Relating to the smaller, less prominent streets of a neighborhood, often poorer or less well-kept.
"They grew up in a backstreet part of town that tourists never saw."
2
Done secretly and illegally, often in unsafe or unregulated conditions.
"The documentary exposed dangerous backstreet clinics operating without any medical licenses."
How to use backstreet
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither a rundown side street, or (as an adjective) something shady and unlicensed done out of public sight.
Common pairings
backstreet deal
backstreet abortion
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more backstreet
- Superlative
- most backstreet
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
They grew up in a _____ part of town that tourists never saw.
Etymology
From back + street, describing streets tucked away from a town's main thoroughfares.
Rhymes for backstreet
See all rhymes for backstreet →Frequently asked questions
What does “backstreet” mean?
The word “backstreet” means relating to the smaller, less prominent streets of a neighborhood, often poorer or less well-kept. In plain terms, either a rundown side street, or (as an adjective) something shady and unlicensed done out of public sight.
How do you use “backstreet” in a sentence?
Here is “backstreet” used in a sentence: “They grew up in a backstreet part of town that tourists never saw.”
What part of speech is “backstreet”?
“Backstreet” is an adjective.
How many meanings does “backstreet” have?
“Backstreet” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to the smaller, less prominent streets of a neighborhood, often poorer or less well-kept.
